Beyond the Ideas of Economic Growth and Economic Development

In his inaugural address in 1999, the eminent Malaysian development economist Ishak Shari adds his voice to the suggestion that all approaches in development studies be critically reviewed in order that an enduring solution to the problems of underdevelopment, poverty and economic inequality can be found (Ishak 2002). In the spirit of this suggestion, this think piece looks at the assumptions of development studies. It suggests drawing on moral philosophy and spiritual traditions as a way to bring the discussion beyond current discourse on deve- lopment. Also in a modest way, it tries to broaden the force and range of debate about development and social issues.